"I get to go to the training ground most of the time and see the players - it is a weird feeling. I will always be a fan first, so I still have that fan instinct.

"It's a great environment and everyone knows each other. It's a great chance for me to gain some experience as well, being around coaches who have so much experience."

Last year, Sohail received a letter from former United's legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson congratulating him on gaining his FA coaching badges and becoming a fully-qualified coach.

But Sohail revealed a manager with a different pedigree at Old Trafford was the catalyst for his dream job - ex-Red Devils boss David Moyes.

"Big thanks to David Moyes," said Sohail. "I did a coaching session at United and after that he was basically saying how impressed he was with me. He wanted to get me on board with the club - he started everything off."

Sohail, who said he goes to Manchester three times a week, said he had met United stars like Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie since starting his new job, with Dutch striker van Persie even putting Sohail in touch with his first coach in Holland.

A spokesman for the club said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Sohail to Manchester United, his determination to reach a unique role in football is an example to us all.

"In the face of great adversity Sohail has shown that hard work and determination counts for everything in overcoming obstacles. Since coming to the training ground, everyone at Manchester United has welcomed Sohail with open arms."

Former United and England star Nicky Butt said: "It is an amazing achievement and speaking to him he comes across as a young man who knows what he wants to achieve. It is magnificent now that he will be sharing these great qualities with young players of the future and I am sure they will be inspired by all that he has achieved."